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Blues harmonica legend James “Superharp” Cotton will perform at The Center for the Arts as part of Paul Emery's Blues Dance Party series. “We are extremely fortunate to have the great James Cotton in Grass Valley,” Emery said. “If you love the blues, this is a show you don't want to miss. He is a true legend and will be performing with an all star band that recently sold out Yoshi's in Oakland for two nights.” Emery has been trying for years to route Cotton's tour through our community and it's finally happening.
The musical pedigree of Grammy Award winner James Cotton consists of a veritable who's who in the world of the Blues. Inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2006, the Smithsonian Institute in 1991, and winner of countless W.C. Handy Blues Awards, he has shared the stage with B.B. King, The Rolling Stones, Johnny Winter, the Allman Brothers, Santana, Bonnie Raitt, Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, Sam and Dave, and The Grateful Dead among many others.
An orphan at the age of 9, he was raised in Mississippi by his mentor, Sonny Boy Williamson, who remains famous for his many unique songs and innovative Delta Blues harmonica style.
As a young teenager Cotton befriended Howlin' Wolf and joined forces with him playing Mississippi and Arkansas juke joints for two years. During that time, Cotton hosted his own afternoon radio show in West Memphis and also recorded “Cotton Crop Blues” and three other songs on Sun Records in Memphis. In 1954, when Muddy Waters needed a harmonica player, he found Cotton playing a club in Arkansas and took him to Chicago. Cotton remained with Waters for 12 years not only playing shows but also recording with him on Chess Records. One of the highlights of that period came when Cotton arranged the ever-popular anthem for the blues, “Got My Mojo Workin,” which was played for the first time by the Muddy Waters Band at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1961.
In 1966 Cotton formed his James Cotton Blues Band which continues to showcase his immense talent and keeps him one of the most sought-after, hard-driving, seminal blues musicians touring the world today.
“My audience always tells me how I'm doing,” said Cotton. “If I look out there and don't like what I see, I work harder.” His audiences are still on their feet, they enjoy themselves as much as he does, and there continue to be standing ovations night after night. You will have a memorable evening with an international treasure and a true Living Legend of the Blues.
The year 2010 is Cotton's 66th year in the entertainment business. What an amazing adventure “Superharp” is experiencing with his little harmonica.
The musical pedigree of Grammy Award winner James Cotton consists of a veritable who's who in the world of the Blues. Inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2006, the Smithsonian Institute in 1991, and winner of countless W.C. Handy Blues Awards, he has shared the stage with B.B. King, The Rolling Stones, Johnny Winter, the Allman Brothers, Santana, Bonnie Raitt, Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, Sam and Dave, and The Grateful Dead among many others.
An orphan at the age of 9, he was raised in Mississippi by his mentor, Sonny Boy Williamson, who remains famous for his many unique songs and innovative Delta Blues harmonica style.
As a young teenager Cotton befriended Howlin' Wolf and joined forces with him playing Mississippi and Arkansas juke joints for two years. During that time, Cotton hosted his own afternoon radio show in West Memphis and also recorded “Cotton Crop Blues” and three other songs on Sun Records in Memphis. In 1954, when Muddy Waters needed a harmonica player, he found Cotton playing a club in Arkansas and took him to Chicago. Cotton remained with Waters for 12 years not only playing shows but also recording with him on Chess Records. One of the highlights of that period came when Cotton arranged the ever-popular anthem for the blues, “Got My Mojo Workin,” which was played for the first time by the Muddy Waters Band at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1961.
In 1966 Cotton formed his James Cotton Blues Band which continues to showcase his immense talent and keeps him one of the most sought-after, hard-driving, seminal blues musicians touring the world today.
“My audience always tells me how I'm doing,” said Cotton. “If I look out there and don't like what I see, I work harder.” His audiences are still on their feet, they enjoy themselves as much as he does, and there continue to be standing ovations night after night. You will have a memorable evening with an international treasure and a true Living Legend of the Blues.
The year 2010 is Cotton's 66th year in the entertainment business. What an amazing adventure “Superharp” is experiencing with his little harmonica.
Know and Go
Who: Paul Emery presents
What: James Cotton Band – Blues dance party When: 8 p.m. tonight Where: The Center for the Arts, 314 West Main Street, Grass Valley Tickets: $25; available at The Center Box Office, (530) 274-8384 ext. 14; BriarPatch, (530) 272-5333; Cherry Records, (530) 823-2147; online at www.paulemery music.com |
